Rainy Saturday morning October 22, 2005

Hello everyone.
Well, first of all I apologize for not doing my blog for a while until this morning. I had a little accident a couple weeks ago this past Thursday.
I was on the ladder trimming the hummingbird vine on the arbor near our pond out back. I turned on the ladder, sideways to the left and to step down, but the ground was just a little farther down than I thought. When I landed on my left leg, the momentum carried me downward and I landed (bounced) on my left hip, threw out my left arm to stop my fall, (why do we do that?) and the cross-cut saw came with me. At first I was shocked that it happened, and as I laid there trying to figure out which hurt the worst, I felt the stinging sensation of my finger and then saw the blood. Well, there was just a little blood flowing quite nicely from a slice/flap of the skin, but didn't look that bad. When I landed on my left leg, I felt three scrunches in my left knee as I was going down. I laid there for a few minutes, trying not to be sick and pass out at the same time. When I finally got up, I hobbled to the house to get the bleeding stopped first on my finger. My left arm hurt, but not that much at the time. My main concern was my knee throbbing now, and my hip.
While I was in the house taking care of my finger, I felt the need to sit down quickly as the room started to spin. I knew that was not a good thing.
After a few minutes passed, I got an ice pack out of the freezer and went in and sat down in the family room. I propped my knee on the stool, put my arm on a pillow with the ice pack under it.
Well, okay, now the good news.
When I went into the local emergency Stat Care facility, (2 1/2 hours-not sure why they call it "Stat Care"), I was assessed by the Doctor as having a "strained knee, bruised hip (nice size bruise), and a broken left radius near my wrist. Okay. I tried not to get to alarmed with the strained knee, but was concerned as it was the one I had torn up pretty badly years ago and had arthroscopic surgery on it to get it back to normal (?). The Doctor suggested I see my Ortho Doctor for further assessment.
They put on a splint/cast on my arm, a brace from my hip to my ankle and released me. When I got home, the pain started to escalate. I can deal with pain to a certain extent. Been there before.
I got into my Ortho Doctor on the following Tuesday, (he just shook his head) and I was relieved when he checked my knee and said it was not torn anywhere, but badly strained. I was given a much nicer urethane brace that pulled on like a glove. Then I had a new "designer cast" put on. Very nice. I choose a very pretty blue to match my jeans.
Well, you know, things happen. The lesson I learned through this is: If your going to be on a ladder, and you are over the age of 50, check what rung you are on before you step down. Plus, stop and give the brain neurons a chance to connect. As I have gotten older, I realize I can do some things, and some things I have to be every so careful doing. My husband has been very nice and helpful through it all, but I have been given strict orders to not be on a ladder if he is not around, or, ask him to do it. Yes, sir. That will be considered.
My typing has been a little slower these past two weeks as the cast does interfere somewhat, but I am glad I now have some dexterity and movement of my left fingers.
My husband's brother has arrived from Missouri and he and hubby's Dad will be coming Sunday. My hubby is going to make his wonderful, delicious spaghetti. I will do the salad.
It is so nice to see the fall colors and smell the smells of autumn. Although winter is not that far away and the snow will soon be flying.
Herman, the little turtle seems to be doing well. Sometimes he basks in the sun on one of the logs I put in the pond.
The yellow finches have their winter-colored coats now and seem to be going through the thistle feed quickly.
I still have bulbs to plant, and hopefully will get them in the ground soon.
Another hurricane coming. My goodness. The people in the south sure have had it rough this year. I just hope and pray no lives are lost and the destruction is minimal. Keep them in your prayers. I called my friends in Melbourne, Florida, (she has M.S. really bad) and they were getting ready, again, for whatever comes their way.
My boss's sister has finally got her Irish website up and running. Check it out! There are a lot of nice Irish things to purchase. It is: aweebitoireland

Until nex time,
Peace, Love, and Laughter!
Becky

Sunday morning-Bright and Beautiful

Hello everyone,

I think the green beans are done. Whew. Prolific little buggers. How I was able to pick so many, freeze, give away, and eat some is beyond me, especially with very little-to-nil rain. The tomatoes are ripening almost faster than I can pick them. We had 39 degrees Friday morning here on the hill, but the lower lying areas got a little frost. It is a matter of time. I have managed to also pick some green peppers. Hubby and I had stuffed peppers last night and the night before for supper. I am saving two for my father-in-law who comes today to visit. He will be thrilled.

I hurt my back last weekend, but am much better now. Had a fight with a washing machine...the machine won. What a bummer. I had to take it easy for a few days. (I really do not like this "getting older" business. My mind is still young but my body says otherwise.)

I received some bulbs in the mail for spring blooming. I hope to plant them this week. I did receive the shipment several weeks ago, but alas, my hubby thought the box was empty (sitting on my workbench in the garage), and he pitched it in the trash. Tsk. Tsk. Sooo, I had to call and have another shipment sent.

My W.I.S.H. program is off and running. My heart goes out to the victims of Domestic Violence and abuse. I see their pain, anguish, anger, fear, guilt, and every emotion imaginable. So many of them think it is "their fault" and "they deserve it." Abuse is a learned behavior. We keep trying to break the cycle of abuse and it is a never-ending task, but it can be done. I am so thankful there are so many resources available for victims of violence and abuse, and resources for their children to help break the cycle. It is a slow process, and they must be willing, and it can be done.

So many victims cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their fear is so overwhelming and they sometimes accept what is happening to them because they cannot see a way out. There is always a way out. The road is hard and full of many detours, but they can get on the higher road and reach a better destination to better themselves and get a better life. They deserve it.

I have been working diligently on my sequel,using the valuable information I received at the "Book Fest" in Bellevue, Oh. It is a slow process to go back and re-write, but I am making progress. I am thankful I can do it now, and not after it is published!

Keep praying for the victims of the hurricanes. Let's also hope and pray another one does not hit the already devestated areas.

Thanks so much for your visits. Tell others. You never know who may cross your path that either my book, or this website may help them to become a survivor!

Until next time, Peace be with you,
Becky